The whole chain is only across at its longest axis, and comprises three subgroups, the by far largest Main Group to the NW, the Centre Group and the East Group. The total area is only , and the highest point is above sea level, on Funnel Island. Bounty Islands were discovered by Captain William Bligh in 1788 and named after his ship, just months before the infamous mutiny.

The islands are inscribed in the together with the other sub-Antarctic New Zealand islands in the region as follows: 877-002 Bounty Islands New Zealand S47 45 E179 03 135 Ha 1998

The 13 islands

Main Group ():

Depot Island (largest in the group), named for the castaway depot on the island.